Scratched by hand under the 795 is "44" Was
it teapot number 44? We don't know but there must be some reason for
that scratched in number.

The teapot has an unusual "double"
removable lid. When the lid is on the pot you can open the smaller top
and there is a small opening, presumably to put your tea leaves in (no
tea bags back then!). You can also remove the lid, almost certainly to
pour the hot water in.

The M.S. Benedict Mfg. Co. became the
Benedict Manufacturing Co. in 1902 so we can date this beautiful teapot
between 1894 and 1902.